Study reveals compound in broccoli slows breast cancer cell growth

Researchers at Oregon State University (OSU) and the Oregon Health & Science University suggested in a new study that sulforaphane may play a role in slowing cancer even as it has long shown evidence of value in cancer prevention growth.

Sulforaphane is a compound found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables has been found to slow the growth of breast cancer cells, especially at early stages.

The findings were the result of the first clinical studies to look at the effect of sulforaphane on breast tissues of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 54 women with abnormal mammograms were given either a placebo or supplements that provided sulforaphane. The amount of sulforaphane they received would equate to about one cup of broccoli sprouts per day, if eaten as a food.

Previous studies have found that women with a high intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage or kale, have a decreased risk of breast cancer. In particular, sulforaphane appears to inhibit histone deacetylases, or HDACs, which in turn enhances the expression of tumor suppressor genes that are often silenced in cancer cells.

In the new study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, the intake of sulforaphane did reduce HDAC activity, as well as cancer cell growth.

Co-author of the study Professor Emily Ho at the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences, said it is possible that sulforaphane may be added to traditional approaches to cancer therapy, whether to prevent cancer, slow its progression, treat it or stop its recurrence.

Researchers said additional studies are needed to evaluate dose responses, work with larger populations, and examine the responses of other relevant molecular targets to either foods or supplements containing sulforaphane.(Xinhua)